Which Engine Oil Should You Use

8 June 2005Staff

Eight million motorists have no idea which oil they should use in their car, despite almost half of all owners claiming they check their dip stick on a monthly basis.

According to new data from car care people, Comma, 61% of women didn’t know if they should top-up with a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic oil. Men faired better, with only 1 in 5 happy to admit they were unsure what to put in their engine.

For motorists still none the wiser, Comma has compiled an online guide available at www.commaoil.com

Every year, more than 360,000 mechanical breakdowns can be attributed to poor routine engine maintenance, a figure which is less surprising given that research shows that one in four cars on the road has below the recommended minimum level of oil.

Alarmingly, Comma discovered that half of the female motorists questioned admitted they didn’t check their oil at all - relying upon their partners to do the necessary dip-stick test for them.

Meanwhile, 1 in 3 men put their hands up to ignoring the dangers of not checking their oil levels on a regular basis.

Unsurprisingly, 82% of those who admitted to not checking their oil regularly were the least likely to know what oil was needed. By contrast, only 3% of motorists who carry out weekly maintenance checks were unsure.

Despite the apparent disinterest, motorists are becoming increasingly better prepared. Almost half of those questioned store extra top up oil at home, with a further 20% keeping some in the car.

"While the message to check oil regularly has filtered through, motorists need to be aware that they are putting the right oil in their engine," said Comma spokesman Mike Bewsey.